Monday, 21 September 2009

This painting, Madonna and Child with St Joseph (1522) by Renaissance artist Ludovico Mazzolino, has emerged from its packing case after nearly 60 years in storage! Records show that it was sold at public auction in London in 1812 for £20. The grandmother of the present owner bought it in Italy in 1862. It subsequently went into storage and was forgotten! This is a perfect example of the gross stupidity of allowing such treasures to fall into private hands. Auctioneer Guy Schwinge, from Duke's of Dorchester, spotted a photo of the painting when asked to value some glass and china. The work comes up for auction on 1 October and is expected to fetch at least £40,000.